The use of hormones to treat infertility (HT only) — AQA GCSE Combined Science
Test yourself on The use of hormones to treat infertility (HT only) with AQA GCSE practice questions.
7 days Premium · Then free forever · No card, no charge
The use of hormones to treat infertility (HT only) explained
Infertility can be treated using hormones.
Read the full explanation
If a woman's own FSH level is too low to stimulate eggs to mature, a 'fertility drug' containing FSH and LH can be given. This stimulates egg maturation and ovulation, allowing normal pregnancy. Alternatively, In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is used. In IVF, the woman is given FSH and LH to stimulate several eggs to mature. Eggs are collected before release and mixed with sperm in a laboratory so fertilisation occurs outside the body. The resulting embryos are grown briefly and one or two are transferred to the uterus to implant. These technologies raise ethical issues, including the fate of unused embryos and the risk of multiple births.
This includes giving FSH and LH in a 'fertility drug' to a woman. She may then become pregnant in the normal way.
This Higher Tier-only topic covers the use of hormones to treat infertility. When a woman's hormones do not mature and release eggs reliably, a fertility drug containing FSH and LH is given. FSH stimulates the ovaries to mature follicles, each containing an egg. LH then triggers ovulation, releasing the egg into the oviduct. If intercourse occurs around ovulation, sperm can fertilise the egg inside the body, allowing normal pregnancy. Doctors monitor follicle growth via ultrasound to adjust doses and reduce multiple pregnancy risks. This treatment boosts natural hormones rather than collecting eggs outside the body.
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment.
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is a Higher Tier-only topic detailing how hormones treat infertility. The process begins by administering FSH and LH to the mother to stimulate the maturation of several eggs. These eggs are collected and fertilised by sperm from the father in a laboratory. The fertilised eggs develop into embryos. Once they form tiny balls of cells, one or two embryos are inserted into the mother's uterus to develop. While IVF helps overcome infertility (e.g., blocked oviducts), it has drawbacks: it is emotionally and physically stressful, success rates are not high, and it can lead to multiple births, which pose risks to both babies and the mother.
IVF involves giving a mother FSH and LH to stimulate the maturation of several eggs.
In In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), the mother is given a fertility drug containing both FSH and LH. The combined action of these hormones stimulates the maturation of several eggs in the ovaries at once. Giving these hormones raises the number of mature eggs available, improving the chance that some will be fertilised successfully in the laboratory. For example, a woman may inject these hormones daily for about ten to twelve days; ultrasound scans and blood tests track follicle growth. This is a hormone treatment, so it is studied at Higher tier, but the idea that hormones control the menstrual cycle and can be used medically applies to both tiers.
The eggs are collected from the mother and fertilised by sperm from the father in the laboratory.
After hormone treatment, mature eggs are collected from the mother's ovaries, usually with a fine needle guided by ultrasound. In the laboratory, sperm from the father are added to the eggs so fertilisation can occur outside the body. Each sperm fuses with an egg to form a zygote, which then divides to form an embryo. The embryos are kept in controlled conditions for a few days before one or more are transferred to the mother's uterus. This is the 'in vitro' part of IVF: fertilisation happens in glassware or a dish, not inside the mother's body. The method allows doctors to check that fertilisation has occurred before implantation. Note that IVF and infertility treatments are Higher Tier only content.
The fertilised eggs develop into embryos.
In fertility treatment, eggs are collected from the mother and fertilised outside the body. Each fertilised egg, now a single cell called a zygote, divides by mitosis to form a small group of identical cells. This early stage is an embryo. The word 'develop' covers this cell division and the gradual formation of a ball of cells, not just one division. For example, a zygote divides into 2 cells, then 4, then 8, forming a tiny ball within a few days. Only healthy-looking embryos are chosen for the next step. Understanding this stage explains why treatment must be timed carefully and why several embryos may be produced. Note that IVF and infertility treatments are Higher Tier only content.
At the stage when they are tiny balls of cells, one or two embryos are inserted into the mother's uterus (womb).
Assessed at Higher Tier only, this step links laboratory fertilisation to pregnancy. After fertilisation outside the body, embryos divide into tiny balls of cells. At this early stage, one or two embryos are transferred into the mother's uterus (womb). Inserting them at the ball-of-cells stage improves the chance of implantation in the uterus lining. Transferring two embryos increases pregnancy chances but raises the risk of multiple births (twins). The uterus is the correct site because its lining is prepared by hormones to receive an embryo. For example, progesterone maintains this lining.
Although fertility treatment gives a woman the chance to have a baby of her own:
As a Higher Tier only topic, students must understand how fertility treatment uses hormones to mimic the natural control of the menstrual cycle. FSH is given to stimulate eggs to mature, and LH is given to stimulate the release of the egg (ovulation). This allows a woman who does not ovulate regularly to conceive and carry a baby that is genetically her own. The treatment offers the chance of pregnancy where natural conception has not occurred. However, it is a medical intervention with significant demands, so the word 'although' signals that the benefits of having a baby must be carefully weighed against the physical, emotional, and financial costs and risks.
it is very emotionally and physically stressful
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and hormonal fertility treatments are Higher Tier only topics that require students to evaluate medical interventions. While giving FSH stimulates egg maturation and LH stimulates ovulation, the process places substantial demands on a patient. Physically, treatment involves repeated hormone injections, frequent blood tests, ultrasound scans, and invasive egg collection procedures, often causing side effects. Emotionally, the process is highly stressful due to the uncertainty of success, the disappointment of failed cycles, and the disruption to daily life and relationships. Students must balance the chance of having a baby against these significant physical and emotional costs to form a complete evaluation.
the success rates are not high
Hormonal treatments and In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) are Higher Tier only concepts where students evaluate medical efficacy. Although administering FSH stimulates multiple eggs to mature and LH stimulates the release of the egg, IVF does not reliably result in pregnancy. Success depends heavily on factors like the patient's age and the cause of infertility. Because each IVF cycle has only a modest chance of resulting in a live birth, overall success rates are low. Patients often require multiple expensive and demanding cycles before achieving a pregnancy. Understanding this limitation is crucial for evaluating fertility treatments, as the low probability of success must be weighed against the significant physical and emotional burdens.
it can lead to multiple births which are a risk to both the babies and the mother.
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and hormone treatments for infertility are exclusively Higher Tier topics. Students must evaluate the risks of multiple births associated with these treatments. Fertility drugs use FSH to stimulate several eggs to mature and LH to trigger ovulation. This superovulation can lead to multiple births if fertilised naturally. In IVF, multiple embryos may be transferred to the uterus, which also increases the chance of twins or triplets. Multiple births significantly increase risks for babies, including premature delivery and low birth mass. They also pose severe risks to the mother, such as high blood pressure and complications requiring a caesarean section.
Your focus
- Explain how FSH and LH are used as a fertility drug to stimulate ovulation.
- Describe the stages of IVF, including fertilisation outside the body and transfer of embryos to the uterus.
- Discuss an ethical issue raised by reproductive technologies.
Show all 33 objectives
- State the roles of FSH and LH in the menstrual cycle and in fertility treatment.
- Explain how a fertility drug containing FSH and LH can lead to pregnancy in the normal way.
- Distinguish fertility drug treatment from IVF when describing ways to treat infertility.
- Describe the sequence of steps involved in In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).
- Explain the specific roles of FSH and LH in IVF treatment.
- Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of IVF treatment.
- State that IVF involves giving a mother FSH and LH.
- Explain that FSH and LH stimulate the maturation of several eggs.
- Explain why giving these hormones increases the number of eggs available for IVF.
- Describe how eggs are collected from the mother and fertilised by sperm in the laboratory.
- State that fertilisation in IVF occurs outside the mother's body.
- Outline the sequence from egg collection to embryo transfer.
- State that a fertilised egg divides by mitosis to form an embryo.
- Describe the embryo as an early ball of cells.
- Explain why several fertilised eggs may be needed in fertility treatment.
- State that one or two embryos are inserted into the uterus at the ball-of-cells stage.
- Describe the uterus as the site where an embryo can implant.
- Explain one benefit and one risk of transferring two embryos.
- Describe how hormone treatment can restore ovulation and allow a woman to have a baby of her own.
- Explain the roles of FSH and LH in fertility treatment.
- Assess the statement that fertility treatment gives a chance of a baby of her own, recognising that it is not guaranteed.
- Describe the physical and emotional stresses associated with IVF and hormone treatment.
- Explain why the uncertainty of IVF success contributes significantly to emotional stress.
- Evaluate fertility treatments by weighing the chance of pregnancy against the physical and emotional demands.
- State that IVF and hormonal fertility treatments have low overall success rates.
- Identify factors, such as age, that influence the success rate of fertility treatments.
- Evaluate IVF by weighing the potential for a successful pregnancy against the low chance of success per cycle.
- Explain how fertility drugs and IVF can result in multiple births.
- Identify specific health risks that multiple births pose to both the mother and the babies.
- Evaluate fertility treatments by balancing the risks of multiple births against the desire for a successful pregnancy (Higher Tier only).
The use of hormones to treat infertility (HT only) exam tips
Marking Points
- A fertility drug containing FSH and LH can be given to women with low FSH to stimulate egg maturation and ovulation for normal pregnancy.
- In IVF, FSH and LH are given to stimulate the maturation of several eggs in the ovaries.
- Eggs are collected from the mother and fertilised by sperm from the father in the laboratory.
- The fertilised eggs develop into embryos outside the body.
- At the stage when they are tiny balls of cells, one or two embryos are inserted into the mother's uterus.
- The use of these technologies raises ethical issues, such as what happens to unused embryos and the risk of multiple births.
- FSH is given to stimulate follicles in the ovary to mature, so eggs develop.
- LH is given to trigger ovulation, releasing a mature egg from the ovary.
- Giving both hormones together as a fertility drug raises the chance of egg release.
- Fertilisation occurs inside the woman's body after intercourse, leading to normal pregnancy.
- Monitoring follicle growth helps clinicians judge when ovulation is likely and avoid multiple pregnancies.
- FSH and LH are given to the mother to stimulate the maturation of several eggs.
- Eggs are collected from the mother and fertilised by sperm from the father in the laboratory.
- The fertilised eggs develop into embryos, which are tiny balls of cells.
- One or two embryos are inserted into the mother's uterus (womb) to establish a pregnancy.
- IVF treatments can result in multiple births, which increases the risk to both the mother and the babies.
- IVF is physically and emotionally stressful and has a relatively low success rate.
- FSH and LH are given to the mother during IVF treatment.
- These hormones stimulate the maturation of several eggs in the ovaries.
- Giving these hormones increases the number of eggs available, which raises the chance of successful fertilisation.
- The hormones are given as a course of treatment before eggs are collected, not after fertilisation.
- FSH and LH are reproductive hormones normally produced by the pituitary gland and control the menstrual cycle.
- Eggs are collected from the mother's ovaries after hormone treatment.
- Sperm are obtained from the father and added to the eggs in the laboratory.
- Fertilisation occurs outside the body, in laboratory glassware or a dish.
- A sperm fuses with an egg to form a zygote, which develops into an embryo.
- The resulting embryo is later transferred to the mother's uterus to continue development.
- A fertilised egg is a single cell formed when a sperm nucleus fuses with an egg nucleus.
- The fertilised egg divides by mitosis to produce genetically identical cells.
- Repeated division produces a small ball of cells called an embryo.
- Development happens outside the mother's body in this fertility treatment.
- Several fertilised eggs may develop, giving more than one embryo.
- Embryos are transferred when they are tiny balls of cells, not at a later fetal stage.
- One or two embryos are inserted into the mother's uterus, also called the womb.
- The uterus lining is where an embryo can implant and continue developing.
- Transferring two embryos increases the chance of pregnancy but also the chance of multiple births.
- The transfer happens after fertilisation and early cell division outside the body.
- Hormones prepare the uterus lining so it can receive the embryo.
- Fertility treatment can restore or mimic the hormonal control of the menstrual cycle, allowing eggs to mature and be released.
- It can allow a woman to conceive a baby who is genetically related to her, which is the key benefit implied by 'a baby of her own'.
- Hormone treatment involves giving FSH to stimulate eggs to mature and LH to stimulate the release of the egg.
- The treatment is a medical intervention, so it carries physical demands such as injections, monitoring and possible side effects.
- The chance of success is not guaranteed, so the treatment may need repeated cycles and may still not result in a live birth.
- The statement is a qualification of the benefit: it acknowledges that fertility treatment offers a chance, not a certainty, and that this chance comes with emotional and physical costs.
- Physical stress arises from repeated hormone injections, invasive egg collection, and frequent ultrasound monitoring.
- Hormonal side effects may occur as the body responds to high doses of FSH and LH, causing physical discomfort.
- Emotional stress is caused by the uncertainty of success and the profound disappointment if an IVF cycle fails.
- The demanding schedule of clinic appointments can disrupt daily life, work, and relationships, adding to the burden.
- A balanced evaluation must weigh the benefit of potentially having a baby against these significant physical and emotional costs.
- IVF involves using FSH to stimulate eggs to mature and LH to stimulate the release of the egg, but fertilisation and implantation are not guaranteed.
- The chance of a live birth per IVF cycle is modest, meaning patients often need to undergo multiple cycles.
- Success rates decline significantly with the mother's age and depend on the specific causes of infertility.
- Low success rates mean treatment can become a prolonged process, increasing the financial and emotional strain.
- Evaluating IVF requires comparing the ultimate benefit of having a baby with the low probability of success in a single cycle.
- FSH stimulates multiple eggs to mature, while LH triggers their ovulation; this can lead to multiple births even without IVF.
- Transferring more than one embryo during IVF also significantly increases the chance of multiple births.
- Multiple births, such as twins or triplets, carry a higher risk of premature birth and low birth mass for the babies.
- Maternal risks associated with multiple pregnancies include high blood pressure and severe bleeding.
- Higher Tier students must evaluate these treatments by balancing the risks of multiple births against the benefits of a successful pregnancy.
Examiner Tips
- 💡Use the correct sequence for IVF: stimulate eggs with FSH and LH, collect eggs, fertilise outside the body, transfer embryos to the uterus.
- 💡When describing hormone use, name each hormone and give its specific role rather than saying they 'help eggs grow'.
- 💡Include one ethical point, such as the status of unused embryos, when a question asks for evaluation or discussion.
- 💡Remember that treating infertility with hormones is assessed at Higher Tier only.
- 💡Name both hormones (FSH and LH) and give the specific job of each in one clear sentence.
- 💡Use the phrase 'pregnant in the normal way' to show fertilisation happens inside the body.
- 💡This specific topic (the use of hormones to treat infertility, including IVF) is assessed at Higher Tier only.
- 💡When evaluating IVF, provide a balanced argument: mention the benefit of having a child, but contrast this with drawbacks like physical stress or multiple birth risks.
- 💡State that both FSH and LH are given to stimulate the maturation of several eggs.
- 💡Link the treatment to the reason for giving it: more mature eggs means more chances of fertilisation.
- 💡Use the phrase 'fertilisation in the laboratory' to make the in vitro step clear.
- 💡Sequence the stages: collect eggs, add sperm, fertilise, culture embryo, transfer embryo.
- 💡Use the sequence fertilisation, mitosis, ball of cells, embryo in your answer.
- 💡Link the word 'develop' to cell division, not to growth in size alone.
- 💡Note that the use of hormones to treat infertility, including IVF, is a Higher Tier only topic.
- 💡Name the uterus and add '(womb)' to show you know both terms.
- 💡When discussing risks, link the transfer of multiple embryos to a higher chance of multiple births.
- 💡Link each hormone named to its specific role in the menstrual cycle rather than listing hormones without function.
- 💡Use the wording of the statement to structure your answer: first explain the benefit, then explain the qualification that it is only a chance.
- 💡When discussing risks or stress, keep the science accurate and avoid unsupported claims about success rates or side effects.
- 💡Provide at least one specific physical demand (e.g. injections) and one emotional demand (e.g. anxiety) to demonstrate a balanced understanding.
- 💡Use this point as a key disadvantage when asked to evaluate IVF or hormonal fertility treatments in Higher Tier questions.
- 💡State clearly that success rates are not high and explain that this often necessitates multiple treatment cycles.
- 💡Use the low success rate as a primary disadvantage when evaluating IVF in Higher Tier extended response questions.
- 💡As this is a Higher Tier only topic, expect questions to require evaluation of the risks and benefits of fertility treatments, rather than just recall.
- 💡Always specify risks for both the mother (e.g. high blood pressure) and the babies (e.g. premature birth) to gain full marks.
- 💡Remember to distinguish between FSH (matures eggs) and LH (triggers ovulation) when explaining how hormones can lead to multiple births.
Common Mistakes
- Saying that FSH causes ovulation; correction: FSH causes eggs to mature, while LH triggers ovulation.
- Thinking that IVF fertilisation happens inside the woman's body; correction: fertilisation occurs outside the body in a laboratory, and only the embryo is transferred to the uterus.
- Stating that eggs are collected after ovulation; correction: eggs are collected before they are released, after hormones have triggered maturation.
- Forgetting that fertility drugs can be used for normal pregnancy; correction: remember that FSH and LH can be given simply to stimulate ovulation without IVF.
- Confusing the roles of FSH and LH: FSH matures follicles, whereas LH triggers ovulation; state each role separately.
- Claiming the drug guarantees pregnancy: it raises the chance of ovulation and conception but does not guarantee success.
- Describing IVF when asked about fertility drugs: IVF involves collecting eggs outside the body, whereas fertility drugs allow normal internal fertilisation.
- Stating that fertilisation occurs inside the uterus during IVF: fertilisation happens outside the body in a laboratory; only the developing embryo is inserted into the uterus.
- Confusing the roles of FSH and LH in IVF: both FSH and LH are given to stimulate the maturation of several eggs, not just one, to increase the chances of successful collection.
- Assuming IVF is always successful and risk-free: IVF has relatively low success rates, is physically and emotionally stressful, and carries the risk of multiple births.
- Thinking only FSH matures the eggs: correct this by stating that both FSH and LH are given to stimulate the maturation of several eggs.
- Believing only one egg is produced: correct this by stating that the hormone treatment deliberately stimulates several eggs to mature.
- Confusing IVF hormone treatment with contraceptive hormones: correct this by noting that IVF uses FSH and LH to increase egg maturation, not to prevent it.
- Saying fertilisation happens inside the mother: correct this by stating that in IVF it happens in the laboratory.
- Confusing egg collection with embryo transfer: correct this by remembering that eggs are collected first, then fertilised, then embryos are transferred.
- Thinking the father's sperm are placed directly into the uterus: correct this by stating that sperm are added to eggs in the laboratory.
- Saying the embryo forms immediately at fertilisation: correct this by stating that the fertilised egg must first divide by mitosis to become an embryo.
- Confusing an embryo with a fetus: correct this by noting that an embryo is the early ball of cells, while a fetus is a much later stage.
- Writing that the egg develops into an embryo without fertilisation: correct this by stating that fertilisation by a sperm is needed first.
- Saying the embryo is inserted into the ovary or fallopian tube: correct this by naming the uterus (womb) as the site of insertion.
- Thinking many embryos are always inserted at once: correct this by stating that one or two embryos are inserted to balance success rates with multiple birth risks.
- Confusing insertion with fertilisation: correct this by stating that fertilisation already happened outside the body before transfer.
- Treating fertility treatment as a guaranteed cure for infertility; correct this by stating that it gives a chance of pregnancy and may fail or require several cycles.
- Confusing the roles of FSH and LH; correct this by stating that FSH stimulates eggs to mature and LH stimulates the release of the egg.
- Assuming the baby is always genetically unrelated to the mother; correct this by explaining that treatment can allow a woman to have a baby of her own because her own eggs may be used.
- Describing fertility treatment as a simple or stress-free process; correct this by acknowledging the severe physical and emotional demands of IVF.
- Confusing physical stress with emotional stress; correct this by giving a physical example like injections and an emotional example like anxiety over failure.
- Failing to link the stress to the hormones used; correct this by noting that artificially high levels of FSH and LH can cause physical side effects.
- Claiming that IVF or hormone treatment always results in pregnancy; correct this by stating that success rates are low and multiple cycles are often needed.
- Stating that success rates are identical for all patients; correct this by explaining that age and health factors heavily influence the outcome.
- Incorrectly stating that LH stimulates egg maturation; correct this by specifying that FSH stimulates eggs to mature, while LH stimulates the release of the egg.
- Assuming multiple births are a purely positive outcome; correct this by explaining the severe medical risks to both mother and babies.
- Stating that IVF is the only cause of multiple births; correct this by explaining that fertility drugs (FSH and LH) alone can cause multiple eggs to be released and fertilised.
- Listing only the risks to the babies; correct this by explicitly including maternal risks like high blood pressure.